Award Circumstances and Date

Prisoner of War Information

Discharge

Date

14 April 1919

Reason

Termination of his period of engagement

Hospitals, Wounds, Diseases and Illnesses

Reported that he was wounded on 5 September 1918 and admitted to hospital in France on 7 September, suffering from gunshot wound in right leg and arm. Admitted to No. 1 NZ General Hospital with gun shot wound received on 18 September 1918.

Post-war Occupations

Labourer

Death

Date

25 September 1973

Age

81 yrs

Place of Death

Timaru (of Temuka)

Cause

Notices

Timaru Herald, 27 September 1973

Memorial or Cemetery

Temuka Cemetery

Memorial Reference

Services Section, Row 180, Plot 619

New Zealand Memorials

Biographical Notes

Owen HANIFIN was a son of Michael and Bridget (nee CARR) HANIFIN. His brothers Con and Jeremiah HANIFIN also served in WWI, both predeceasing Owen; all three were at the front at the same time. Two younger brothers, Michael Joseph HANIFIN and John Joseph HANIFIN, served in WWII. Owen returned to New Zealand per "Ruahine", embarking at London on 8 December 1918. He was granted sick-leave from 23 January till 29 January 1919. Owen, who never married, died in 1973. His funeral service was held at St Joseph's Church, Temuka, followed by burial in the Temuka Cemetery, attended by members of the Temuka RSA. Owen was one of 45 returned soldiers who were presented with gold medals at a most memorable gathering organised by the Waitohi Flat Presentation and Memorial Committee and held in the Waitohi schoolroom in November 1919. a enjoyable concert was provided before the returned soldiers, assembled in the front seats, were thanked and welcomed home. All involved were thanked for their kindness and mementoes of the war and the ladies of Waitohi were thanked for the much-valued parcels sent to the front.